Since opening in 2000 as an arts space, Somerset House has evolved beyond its purpose; its grounds are now a labyrinth of exhibition areas, eateries and, famously, ice rinks. Strictly speaking, its latest addition falls into the culinary category, but Pennethorne’s Café Bar also gently incorporates elements of Somerset House’s journey. Named for Sir James Pennethorne, the architect who designed the House’s ‘New Wing’, the restaurant designed by local firm SHH, is inspired by The Grand Tour (Pennethorne's legendary journey across Europe) to showcases a space that is dotted with antiqued bronzed mirrors, bespoke banquettes, and playful illustrations of 19th century figures. Food meanwhile, is a selection of deli-style classics, which centre on the offerings from an onsite bakery.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
New Wing
Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA
-
Sculpture meets jewellery meets sport? Kelly Wearstler’s latest venture is doing something completely newThe designer is launching a new curatorial platform, Side Hustle, free from the limitations of commercial commissions and aiming to foster truly original, experimental and interdisciplinary work
-
Ballman Khaplova creates a light-filled artist’s studio in upstate New YorkThis modest artist’s studio provides a creative with an atelier and office in the grounds of an old farmhouse, embedding her practice in the surrounding landscape
-
Italy’s most famous recipe book gets a revamp for its latest edition‘Il Cucchiaio d'Argento’, or ‘The Silver Spoon’, is Italy's best-known recipe book: artist Olimpia Zagnoli and cultural design studio Bunker collaborated on a new look for its latest edition
-
Refreshed China Tang at The Dorchester remains a love letter to 1930s ShanghaiTwenty years since it first opened, the beloved Cantonese restaurant in London has been subtly reinvigorated, pairing Haipai style with cosmopolitan decadence for milestones yet to come
-
A sculptural reimagining of hospitality takes over the Mandarin Oriental MayfairThe Mayfair Design District has curated a tactile exploration of nature and form across the quietly sumptuous London hotel
-
Labombe by Trivet reinvents an unforgettable Cool Britannia hangoutIs London hospitality about to hit peak 1990s revival? The Como Metropolitan has unveiled a new dining room on the site of the former Met Bar
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the wonderfully unfussy Swan Inn, FittleworthAs the night’s draw in, this cosy English inn deep in the Sussex countryside beckons
-
The world’s largest capsule hotel opens in the heart of LondonWith nearly 1,000 capsules across five floors, Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus promise cocoon-like calm above the city’s loudest square
-
Ministry of Sound embraces theatrical brutalism with its new members’ barStudio A-nrd dresses the south London superclub’s new No Velvet Rope Society in tactile layers and stark details
-
St. John and the London Book Review’s new café makes for a delicious pairingSt John’s new bookshop-based café will offer tasty delights from the bakery, to enjoy at the table or take away. Bookmark this perfect spot for reading, eating and book browsing
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Mason & Fifth, Westbourne ParkA cultural hub disguised as a hospitality concept, Mason & Fifth’s latest property in west London is ambitious, youthful and extroverted
